Richard A. Kerner (dec’d), a founding partner of the firm, was engaged in the practice of law for 65 years. His experience included matters involving civil and criminal litigation, as well as commercial and business transactions, estates, trusts and tax law. He graduated from New York University Law School earning an LL.B. in 1959 and an LL.M. in 1961.  Richard Kerner proudly served our country in the military in both active and reserve duty with the United States Army from 1957-1962.

During his 65 years of practice, Mr. Kerner served in numerous governmental capacities including Special Counsel to the Town of Ramapo and Assistant District Attorney for the County of Rockland. He was a member of the New York City Bar Association where he served on the Legislative Review Committee. He was also a member of the American Bar Association, New York County Lawyers Association, Brooklyn Bar Association, Bronx County Bar Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, The American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Rockland County Bar Association.

He was admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the 2d Circuit, the United States Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Tax Court and argued appeals in the First and Second Department as well as the Court of Appeals for the State of New York. He successfully resolved thousands of cases in his more than 65 years of practice. He also served as a Medical Malpractice Panel Member for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, a Mediator for the Federal District Courts of New York and an Arbitrator in the Civil Court of the City of New York.

Mr. Kerner achieved high ratings by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory distinguishing him as an attorney meeting high criteria of general ethical standards in the legal community.

Mr. Kerner was an accomplished pianist, and, in his free time, enjoyed travel, opera, classical music, Broadway, and spending time with his family (especially, and most of all, his grandchildren). Sadly, he passed away on June 29, 2024. We will forever miss his sharp legal acumen, experience, guidance and sense of humor.